The purpose of the NORC is to obtain average speed consistency over a 90 mile stretch of state highway 318, with the idea of balancing speed on the low velocity sections with top end running over an extended period of time. During the high speed stage, race operators recorded a top speed of 162 mph for the Buick, which was driven by Rietlow, with Townsend performing navigator duties.

Ultimately the duo finished with 0.4 seconds of their 40 minute target time, placing second place in the 135-mph class and putting them on the podium.

Upon finishing the event, Rietlow remarked that “the Regal GS is an incredibly capable performance sedan. In addition to the strong acceleration from the engine, the chassis maintained its composure well while running across these closed public roads at high speeds. Likewise, the Brembo brakes were easy to trust coming hot into a corner.”

Kind of makes you want to run out and buy a Regal GS doesn’t it? Can anybody say “sleeper.”

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/05/buick-regal-gs-hits-162-mph-in-nevada-open-road-challenge.html/feed0more]]>1902 Mercedes to Drive 1,500 Miles to Attend Pebble Beach Concourshttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2010/07/1902-mercedes-to-drive-1500-miles-to-attend-pebble-beach-concours.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2010/07/1902-mercedes-to-drive-1500-miles-to-attend-pebble-beach-concours.html#respondThu, 29 Jul 2010 13:14:23 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=282771902 Mercedes to Drive 1,500 Miles to Attend Pebble Beach ConcoursThis particular car, will be driven approximately 1500 miles as part of the Pebble Beach Motoring Classic. more]]>

Each August, the classic car world gears up for the annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, near Monterey, California, where some of the finest automobiles in the world are exhibited. Given the value and condition of most of the vehicles invited each year, many are transported by enclosed carrier or even flown to the event. However, a sizeable number are actually driven. This year, one of the latter will be the car shown above – a 1902 Mercedes-Benz Simplex; a machine that also bears the title of the oldest car currently in road worthy condition.

Powered by a 28 horsepower engine, the Simplex was built from 1902-09 and in many respects was one of the most advanced motor cars of its day, especially in terms of performance and hill climbing ability. This particular car, restored back in 1993 under the supervision of noted collector car specialist John Bentley, will be driven approximately 1,500 miles by Bentley, along with Arturo and Deborah Keller, as part of the annual Pebble Beach Motoring Classic. This road rally, now in its sixth year; starts in Seattle on August 3 (nine days before the Concours) taking in sights such as Mount St. Helens and the Columbia River Gorge, before arriving at the Pebble Beach Golf Course in time for the Concours event. Given that the trip includes numerous inclines and twisting roads, it’s quite a feat to be undertaking it in a 108 year-old car with no roof.